NBA Investigates Clippers' Alleged Salary Cap Circumvention Involving Kawhi Leonard's Aspiration Deal

The NBA has initiated an investigation into allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented salary cap regulations by facilitating a $28 million endorsement deal between star player Kawhi Leonard and Aspiration, a now-bankrupt green banking company in which Clippers owner Steve Ballmer had invested.

Ballmer stated that he introduced Leonard to Aspiration executives in November 2021, three months after Leonard signed a four-year, $173 million extension with the Clippers. He emphasized that the team was not involved in the subsequent endorsement agreement.

"We made an introduction, that was in early November," Ballmer said. "The introduction got made and then they were off to the races on, on their own. We weren't involved."

The NBA's investigation follows reports suggesting that the endorsement deal was structured to circumvent salary cap rules. Ballmer expressed support for the league's inquiry, stating, "Salary cap circumvention rules are important to the league, and I'd want the league to investigate."

Aspiration has faced accusations of fraud, with co-founder Joseph Sanberg pleading guilty to wire fraud charges in August. Ballmer acknowledged being misled by the company, saying, "These were guys who committed fraud. Look, they conned me. They conned me."

The NBA's investigation is ongoing, and the league has not yet determined whether any violations occurred.